Supporter

Carleen Lyden-Kluss

Executive Director & Co-Founder, NAMEPA

Shipping industry leader preserving the marine environment

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‘The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is comprised of citizens, businesses, and groups concerned with the future of our ocean and coastal resources. From energy production to commercial fishing to shipping and transport, our modern American economy and millions of American jobs depend on our oceans and coasts. For example, in 2011, maritime economic activities supported 2.8 million jobs and $282 billion in GDP. A significant amount of this economic strength relies on healthy ocean resources. It’s clear that a healthy ocean provides employment, direct economic benefits, recreation, wildlife habitat, cultural identity, and indirect economic services like protection from natural disaster.

It therefore makes sense for industry, environmental groups, academics, scientists and both state and federal agencies to come together and coordinate current and future uses. Thoughtful and strategic planning of our ocean spaces will not only set the stage for a healthy ocean ecosystem, but a healthy ocean economy by reducing unnecessary conflicts between user groups.’